The Stage is Set: 2025 CIF Southern Section Boys Basketball Open Division Championships
The 2025 CIF Southern Section Boys Basketball Open Division championships are set to tip off, bringing together some of the best high school basketball players in California. Ten teams will vie for the title, with the first set of games scheduled for Wednesday, February 12. The competition is intense, with the two pool winners set to face off at Toyota Arena on Saturday, March 1. Last year’s champions, Harvard-Westlake, will be looking to defend their title, and a potential rematch with Roosevelt could be on the horizon.
Star Power: The Nation’s Top Prospects
The tournament is not just about team performance; it also showcases individual talent. Harvard-Westlake’s Nikolas Khamenia, committed to Duke, and Roosevelt’s Brayden Burries, who is still uncommitted, are two of the nation’s top prospects. Khamenia and Burries are expected to shine, and their performances could determine their teams’ fate in the tournament. The presence of these star players adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for basketball enthusiasts.
The Teams to Watch: Pool A and Pool B
The teams are split into two pools, each with five contenders. In Pool A, Harvard-Westlake and Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) both started strong with a 1-0 record, while Santa Margarita is yet to play. JSerra Catholic and La Mirada both have 0-1 records. Pool B is equally competitive, with Roosevelt and Sierra Canyon starting with 1-0 records. St. John Bosco, Redondo Union, and Heritage Christian are still seeking their first victories.
Pool A Contenders
- Harvard-Westlake (1-0): Defending champions with a strong roster, including star player Nikolas Khamenia.
- Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) (1-0): A resilient team with a solid defensive strategy.
- Santa Margarita (0-0): Eager to make a statement in their first game.
- JSerra Catholic (0-1): Looking to bounce back after a tough loss.
- La Mirada (0-1): Seeking to improve their standing with strong performances.
Pool B Contenders
- Roosevelt (1-0): Spearheaded by top prospect Brayden Burries.
- Sierra Canyon (1-0): Known for their balanced attack and team play.
- St. John Bosco (0-0): A team with a rich basketball tradition.
- Redondo Union (0-1): Focused on tightening their defense.
- Heritage Christian (0-1): Determined to turn their season around.
How to Follow the Action
For those unable to attend the games in person, all CIF Southern Section boys basketball pool play games will be streamed on the NFHS Network. The NFHS Network offers two plans: an Annual Pass for $6.67 per month and a Monthly Pass for $11.99 per month. Subscribers can enjoy live streaming of the games and the ability to create clips of their favorite moments. This makes it easy for fans to follow their favorite teams and players from the comfort of their homes.
The Tournament Schedule
The tournament kicks off on Wednesday, February 12, with a slate of exciting games. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
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Wednesday, February 12:
- Harvard-Westlake 73, La Mirada 50
- Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 71, JSerra Catholic 68
- Roosevelt 74, Heritage Christian 57
- Sierra Canyon 69, Redondo Union 66
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Friday, February 14:
- Santa Margarita vs. JSerra Catholic (7 p.m.)
- Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) vs. La Mirada (7 p.m.)
- St. John Bosco vs. Redondo Union (7 p.m.)
- Sierra Canyon vs. Heritage Christian (7 p.m.)
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Tuesday, February 18:
- Harvard-Westlake vs. JSerra Catholic (7 p.m.)
- Santa Margarita vs. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) (7 p.m.)
- Roosevelt vs. Redondo Union (7 p.m.)
- St. John Bosco vs. Sierra Canyon (7 p.m.)
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Friday, February 21:
- Harvard-Westlake vs. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) (7 p.m.)
- Santa Margarita vs. La Mirada (7 p.m.)
- Roosevelt vs. Sierra Canyon (7 p.m.)
- St. John Bosco vs. Heritage Christian (7 p.m.)
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Tuesday, February 25:
- Harvard-Westlake vs. Santa Margarita (7 p.m.)
- JSerra Catholic vs. La Mirada (7 p.m.)
- Roosevelt vs. St. John Bosco (7 p.m.)
- Redondo Union vs. Heritage Christian (7 p.m.)
- Saturday, March 1:
- Pool A winner vs. Pool B winner (6:30 p.m.)
The Road to the Final: Tiebreakers and Beyond
If teams finish with the same record, a series of tiebreakers will determine the pool winners. These include win-loss record in pool play, head-to-head record, point differential, points allowed, and points scored. If all else fails, the higher seed will advance. The tournament’s structure ensures that every game is crucial, adding to the drama and excitement of the competition.
The 2025 CIF Southern Section Boys Basketball Open Division championships promise to be a thrilling event, with talented players, intense competition, and a chance to witness the next generation of basketball stars. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this tournament is not to be missed.
